"Official" Viper (a.k.a VHI) Gear thread

[DarkCage]

I figured it was time for all Viper gear owners to step up and see how things are going with pads, gloves etc.
My pads are still in great shape.
I'll post updated pics later.
Cap, and others how are things progressing?
What do you like?
What would you change?
Anyone ordering new gear?
Post comments pics, updated reviews, lets get the ball rolling.

Oh yeah! Hunster, I win.

DC

[Beccaraptor]

I still have my blocker, it's really a nice piece of equipment. Good wrist mobility, good protection, it's just the all the wrong colors (not that I really care.) I stopped using it since I built my blockers, I am not sure if I will go back to it or not. I like it, but I also like the black one so I may switch between them now.

I love how the palm is a little bigger then most others I have tried on. That means my fingers aren't bulging out the ends and ripping the material making the palm break down more quickly. I like the balance and feel of it also. It's just comfortable on the hand.

Two things I have found that I don't like about it... first, the palm thumb is too loosely attached to the thumb protector and pucks that ramp up my stick hit my exposed thumb. It doesn't happen ofter but when it does it hurts and leaves a serious bruise. Second, none of the holes have eyelets, which make it really hard to relace the cuff when the string falls out! Otherwise it's been a really nice blocker for me. I just like my other blocker better because I don't get my thumb smashed, and mine has an air bag to prevent the occasional stinger on the back of the hand

Viper blocker from the front


From the side


This is all the wear on the palm. Not much at all!


This is where my C/A rubs the cordura inside the cuff. Not too bad but it showed up fairly quickly. I am not worried about it. Normal wear and tear.

[DarkCage]

Well after a summer of use my vipers are holding up great (no durability issues).
As most of you know I had them made to C-10 specs and they perform just as good as the pair of C-8's that I had previous.
I couldn't be happier that I went with Viper.
Their definitely a pro pad with a lot of durability and function.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Here are updated pics!

[slayer]

I played against a guy last night who was wearing a full Viper set. I'll be honest, I hadn't heard of them until last night.

I spent the entire night looking down the ice at him trying to figure out what the hell he was wearing. Man were they nice, too!

He had a pretty cool all white setup with red stripes going in every direction. Hard to explain, but similar to those Van Halen pads that were floating around last year and the year before.

Very nice looking stuff, and finally got to read the name on them when we shook hands after the game. I wanted to talk to him about them, but we blew them out 10-4 and he was clearly in no mood to chat about gear...


*edit - just went to the site, (http://www.viperhockey.net/) and that guys pads are there under 'custom graphics'. Nice set! Looked better in person, too.

[Yendor]

slayer,
was it these?

[kevinsane]

I like Viper's stuff. They need to lose the big VH1, though, as it makes you look like you got the pads for finishing third on "Celebrity Duets" or "Dancing With The Stars".
Mind you, those are two of Huntster's goals, so......

[slayer]

Yep! There you go, I played against a member of the board, after all these years!

(unless they're second-hand gear)

VERY nice stuff, especially looking at it from the other end of the rink!

Originally Posted by Yendor

slayer,
was it these?

[DarkCage]

Hey,

I thought I'd resurrect this thread to see who has any new Viper gear.
I would also like to hear from any former buyers (captianc etc.) on how things are going. I owe someone a leg channel pic but forget who (sorry). You should be able to find my review with pics there.

DC

[guest1]

Originally Posted by Yendor

slayer,
was it these?

that's one of the most unique, and i think coolest graphics EVA!

[Beccaraptor]

I still use my Viper blocker, in fact I used it last night. I switch between all my blockers, so I always have a dry one The palm and materials are still all good so far. No ripped seams, nothing. Good stuff.

[Huntster]

I had a problem with my pads. The stitching at the boot and face of the pad had come out. I emailed James with a few pics of the problem. I sent them back and he repaired them with no cost to me at all (even shipping both ways)

Not sure what happened with the stitching but I was happy that he fixed it without any hassles at all.

[DarkCage]

Originally Posted by Huntster

I had a problem with my pads. The stitching at the boot and face of the pad had come out. I emailed James with a few pics of the problem. I sent them back and he repaired them with no cost to me at all (even shipping both ways)

Not sure what happened with the stitching but I was happy that he fixed it without any hassles at all.

Gotta respect James biting the cost on shipping for the repair. Beside the stitching issue how is the playability? Still good?
You should snap some pics and post.
Maybe we can get another pole going .

Peace!

DC

[DarkCage]

Just visited the Viper site (it's been updated).
James has posted a pic of Viper's new King Cobra Pads.
Not a bad price either for the holidays.
Has anyone ordered a set of these yet?
DC.

[Huntster]

Originally Posted by DarkCage

Gotta respect James biting the cost on shipping for the repair. Beside the stitching issue how is the playability? Still good?
You should snap some pics and post.
Maybe we can get another pole going .

Peace!

DC

The playability is good. One thing I would do different is to either have the knee stacks velcroed to the knee wing or have the straps run through the knee lifts so they don't go out of position like they are now.

I will try using velcro on them myself and see how it works.

The pads above are supposed to be like Koho 580's. I would like to see more pics once he puts them up.

[Matt#30]

I'm ordering VHI gloves in a few weeks